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The Phil Norman Tentet: Encore
By
Dave Pell
saxophone1925 - 2017

Miles Davis
trumpet1926 - 1991
This is an aggregation and performance that, regardless of size, has everything, including some of jazz's finest players, composers and arrangers, all combining to deliver a classic, swinging, bravura performance. The playing, writing and soloingabsolutely everything about Encoreis superb.
Interestingly, six of the CD's ten cuts are well-worn jazz standards given fresh and intelligent covers by first-tier arrangers including

Alan Broadbent
pianob.1947

Roger Neumann
saxophone, tenorb.1941

Christian Jacob
pianoSimultaneously combining the small group and big band sounds, Broadbent's superb "Sonny's Step," Rusty Higgins' reworked and very hip "Stompin' at the Savoy," and pianist Christian Jacob's galloping "Surrey with the Fringe on Top" all stand out. These and the other cuts offer up exciting playing and "what's-coming-next?" listening.
Lead trumpeter

Carl Saunders
trumpet1942 - 2023
Don Fagerquist
trumpetb.1927

Ron Stout
trumpet
Scott Whitfield
tromboneb.1963
Perhaps the jazz ensemble of eight, nine or ten pieces will continue to thrive as economies drive larger ensembles to constrict or become extinct. If that be the case, as long as Phil Norman retains this fine stable of players and writers, there will certainly be plenty of encores for them. ">
Track Listing
Sonny's Step; In Your Own Sweet Way; Bernie's Tune; Surrey with the Fringe on Top; A Waltz for You Know Who; Stompin' at the Savoy; Dear Mr. Florence; The Touch of Your Lips; Mendocino Nights; Billie's Bounce.
Personnel
Phil Norman: tenor saxophone, clarinet; Rusty Higgins: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute; Roger Neumann: baritone saxophone; Carl Saunders: trumpet, flugelhorn; Ron Stout: trumpet, flugelhorn; Scott Whitfield: trombone; Christian Jacob: piano; Larry Koonse: guitar (1, 2, 5, 8-10); Tom Rizzo: guitar (3, 4, 6, 7); Kevin Axt: bass; Dick Weller: drums; Brad Dutz: percussion.
Album information
Title: Encore | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: MAMA Records
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